GREAT YARMOUTH MAN DAVID NEWTON SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ADVANCEMENT WITH UNDERAGE GIRL IN PLOT INVOLVING FAKE SOCIAL MEDIA PROFILE

In a case that has drawn significant attention in Great Yarmouth, David Newton, a 45-year-old resident of Cromwell Road, was sentenced to prison after attempting to engage in sexual activity with a girl he believed to be 14 years old. The incident unfolded through online communications, where Newton initially made explicit and sexualized comments early in their exchanges after they connected on Facebook at the end of September last year.

Unbeknownst to Newton, the individual he was communicating with was not a young girl but a 44-year-old film-maker who had deliberately created a fake social media profile. This profile was designed to appear as a 14-year-old girl in foster care, with the intent of exposing predatory behavior. The film-maker had set up this false identity to monitor and catch individuals attempting to exploit minors online.

According to the court proceedings, Richard Potts, the prosecutor, explained that Newton's conversations with the fake profile quickly turned sexual, with Newton expressing a desire to meet and have sex with the girl. The film-maker revealed that Newton had been told on at least three separate occasions that the person he was speaking to was only 14 years old. Despite this, Newton continued to pursue the interaction, showing a clear intent to engage in sexual activity.

Further details emerged when Newton expressed dismay upon learning that the girl was going to have to return to Plymouth. He then stated his desire to take her away for a weekend, indicating a clear intention to meet in person for sexual purposes. Evidence of his plans was uncovered when he booked a hotel room in Cornwall, with details later found on his phone. This booking was part of the evidence presented during the case.

Once the police became aware of Newton's intentions, the individual behind the fake profile contacted law enforcement authorities to report the incident. Newton's history includes 15 previous convictions spanning 36 offences, although none of these were related to sexual crimes. Nevertheless, his actions in this case led to serious legal consequences.

Newton appeared in Norwich Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, June 29. He had previously admitted to attempting to incite sexual activity with a child. The judge, Anthony Bate, sentenced him to two years in prison. Additionally, Newton was placed under a sexual harm prevention order (SOPO) for five years and was registered on the sex offenders register, marking a significant step in safeguarding measures against future offenses.